The Power of the Purse

I don't know what's going on, but people in my stuffy UES neighborhood are becoming friendlier! Should I be excited or worried?

I was in the new Duane Reade on Lexington and 84th Christmas Eve to pick up a last-minute stocking stuffer for Mr. Wonderful. While perusing the after shave aisle, a woman behind me got my attention.

"Have you used this brand before for dry skin?" she asked me. She was holding a bottle of Eucerin lotion for itchy dry skin and was probably in her late 40's.

"Uh...I've never used that before, but I wrote about it for an article in Real Simple magazine--doctor's love that brand," I replied, trying to be helpful.

After a few more words about Eucerin vs Aveeno, I tried to walk away to continue with my stocking shopping; the woman followed me..."Excuse me, I hope I am not taking too much of your time, but I am curious...did you spend less money on Christmas presents this year?" she asked.

"Sure!" I responded, "Well...I don't make a lot of money anyway, so I try not to overspend, but I guess I spent less."

She looked relieved and said, "I definitely did, but I feel like other people didn't." As she turned around to walk away, I went back to looking at aftershave. Then I heard her voice again.

"You definitely spent less?" she asked again.
"Yes, I did," I answered.

She looked satisfied and said thank you before finally moving on. I am not a big fan of X-mas because I think it can encourage greed--plus, I always feel sorry for the poor at this time. I guess the current economic crisis is making everyone think twice about materialism--even stuffy Upper East Siders.

(A New Yorker's X-mas Tree - my 3ft long wall-mounted wreath)